What to Expect During Liposuction Recovery

Using advanced technology, Dr. Ken Smart, MD, can not only help contour his patients’ bodies, but he can also minimize discomfort and time spent recovering. During patient consultations, Dr. Smart can discuss the procedure as well as what to expect during the liposuction recovery process at his Frisco, TX office. If you are considering undergoing a liposuction procedure to improve your body’s contours, proportions, and your self-image, it is important to understand the recovery process, including when you can expect to return to normal activities and possible complications that may arise.

What to Expect Post-Op

Following your liposuction procedure, you will wear a compression garment to aid in the healing process for one week and then periodically over the following six weeks of your recovery. You may have small temporary drains placed in the incisions beneath your skin to eliminate excess fluids. In most cases, you can shower the day after your surgery. You may be prescribed a medication after surgery to help manage your pain or to prevent a possible infection.

Returning to Activity

Most people can return to light physical activity within three to five days after surgery. Light physical activity can include a few household duties and walking short distances. Physical activity is necessary after your surgery to help prevent the development of blood clots during your recovery. You should return to your exercise routine at lower intensities than the levels you were performing at prior to your surgery. It is often recommended to wait three to four weeks post-surgery before you resume high-intensity activities such as running. Strength and resistance exercises may be resumed as soon as two to three weeks post-surgery. However, exercises that target or indirectly affect the areas where surgery was performed should be avoided until the incisions are healed. Most people can return to work three to ten days after their surgery and are back to full activity between two and six weeks, depending on the type of procedure and the scope of work that was done.

If you are considering liposuction to improve your body’s contours, proportions, and your self-image, it is important to understand the recovery process and risks of complications.

Complications

Dr. Smart will see you five to seven days after your surgery and then again at three, and six weeks to ensure your incisions are healing properly and you have not developed an infection. He will then see you for follow-up visits at three, six, and nine months to ensure no further complications arise. Things he will look for over the course of your healing process include:

Contour irregularities: Your skin may appear bumpy or wavy after your procedure, which can be caused by irregular fat removal, poor skin elasticity, or improper healing.

Fluid accumulation: Temporary pockets of fluid can form beneath the skin and my require drainage through a needle.

Numbness: Temporary or permanent numbness in the area the procedure was performed is a risk.

Infection: As with any surgery, infection is a risk.

Fat embolism: Bits of loosened fat may dislodge and block a blood vessel, which can travel to the brain.

Kidney and heart problems: The changes in fluid levels during the procedure can cause life-threatening kidney or heart problems.

If complications arise, Dr. Smart will address them and do what is necessary to resolve them and continue your healing process.

Contact Us Today

Cosmetic consultations with Dr. Smart are complimentary and typically last just an hour. If you are ready to take the steps toward improved body contours and proportions, and—most importantly—improved self-image, call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.